Wednesday, 23rd December, 2009

“Out with the Old, in with the New”

With 2010 approaching fast most of us are taking a look at what 2009 has meant for us and our families. I for one do make time to assess what went well, what I could have done differently and what I need to improve on. This helps me define the goals I need to set for myself to make 2010 a more prosperous year.

Those people who have been following my  infrequent blog entries and more numerous tweets have shared plenty of joyful moments with me but I think they also consider it fair for me to say that it hasn’t exactly been the most happy-go-lucky and easy year for my sons, Sabine and myself.

There have been a few times in 2009 that, in earnest, I considered dramatic changes.
Those thoughts were fuelled by personal disappointment and frustration generated by different events I had not anticipated.
Almost unthinkable maybe, but truth is I even mulled over leaving the world I have known for 23 years and moving back to that small town of Inverell, to the peaceful surroundings where my ageing parents enjoy the warm Australian days longing for the proximity of their grandchildren and in which Sabine and the boys also feel safe and at home. I now catalogue those feelings as a bit of pure childlike melancholy on my part or as an instinctive reaction of a man trying to shelter his family – and himself - from further distress and upset.
 
In the warmth and affection my family received from so many people and heartened by the incredible kindness from close friends as well as the sincere words from total strangers, I found strength and determination.  My son Tristan’s condition currently seems under control thanks to the tender loving care of his mum, his devoted brother Saën and through the continual attention of the compassionate medical staff of the University Hospital Gent. That eases my own private restlessness.
 
Fact is that I was taught a lot concerning human interaction and puzzling key relationships this year. In hindsight I might even get to be grateful for the astonishing experiences. Time will tell.
 
The profession I’m in is permanently challenging. It asks for uninterrupted daily management and me being a stickler in these pertinent matters puts high demands on those around me. I believe it is essential that people in my line of work are absolutely passionate about their job; I don’t know how it could be done acceptably otherwise. Personally, I do love the atmosphere, the energy generated by the young athletes who are striving to be the very best they can be. Their dedication and enthusiasm is what makes it all worth my effort.  It’s undeniably a fantastic feeling to be amongst the riders, guide them and experience their willpower and commitment to excel at their sport. I’m looking forward to my days on the road with them next season.
 
My genuine hope for 2010 is that it may bring everyone, including my family and all those people putting in the long hours to make things happen the much deserved fulfillment, a lot of satisfaction and numerous magnificent successes but most importantly that all of us can keep the Fun in Life and in what we do. Wishing all of you the very best for the New Year, may all the good things you hope and long for become reality!  

Godspeed.   
 
Scott